The Dose: Nintendo E3 2015 Digital Event highlights

The Dose: Nintendo E3 2015 Digital Event highlights

After solid showings from both Microsoft and Sony’s conferences, everyone was excited to see what Nintendo had in store for their Digital Event. Turns out, they played it kind of safe.

The theme for the event was transformation, and Nintendo executives gave us a look at a transformed company moving forward. They said we’ll be getting more info on their new platform, NX, as well as their theme park and mobile partnerships next year, but they a bit to show off.

The highlights:

Star Fox: Zero

Nintendo started off strong, bringing out the new “Star Fox” title, which is being co-developed by Platinum Games (“Bayonetta,” “The Wonderful 101”). The game, which looks to be playing it safe and sticking to its roots, is pulling inspiration from the canned “Star Fox 2″ for the Super Nintendo with a new transformation mechanic, literally proving Nintendo’s theme of transforming.

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Metroid Prime: Federation Force

While it’s not quite what we thought we’d get when we asked for a new “Metroid” game, this looks to be an expansion on the formula of the original Nintendo DS title “Metroid Prime Hunters.” The game, billed as a 4-player co-op experience, contains the multiplayer mode “Battle Ball” shown for the first time at Nintendo’s World Championship tournament on Sunday.

The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes and Hyrule Warriors Legends

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While “Hyrule Warriors” was leaked a couple of weeks ago “Triforce Heroes” came as a bit of a surprise. The game, which is a three-player co-op “Zelda” title, looks like a nice in-between while we wait for the Wii U game to come out.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Another personal E3 favorite, the next installment of the “Mario & Luigi” RPG series looks to be colliding with Nintendo’s popular “Paper Mario” series. The game, which has two Marios, Peaches, Bowsers and more combines mechanics and aesthetics from both games for what looks like a fun romp through the Mushroom Kingdom.

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer and Amiibo Party

“Happy Home Designer” is an “Animal Crossing” title that invites players to construct villages from scratch and build their own homes in spin-off fashion. Similarly, “Amiibo Party” looks to take the fun of “Mario Party” and bring it to the world of “Animal Crossing.” In real-life board game parallel, the game will support amiibo figurines.

Super Mario Maker

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As a solid closer to the show, “Super Mario Maker” reminded us that for 30 years, Mario has given each and every one of us something to smile about. When the game releases this fall, it will include an art book featuring designs from Mario’s history. A blissful anniversary celebration.